Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Respiratory Disease Prevention in Calves

Bovine respiratory disease is the leading cause of calf mortality and welfare compromise, with prevention strategies now well established.

Key Facts

BRD causes 25-40% of calf deaths in beef production systems
Stress, mixing, transport, and weaning are key risk factors for BRD outbreaks
Metaphylaxis with antibiotics reduces disease incidence but contributes to AMR concerns
Vaccination and improved husbandry provide more sustainable long-term prevention
Early detection using clinical scoring systems reduces death and suffering in affected calves

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes severe suffering in affected calves and remains the most significant welfare challenge in calf rearing. Prevention through vaccination, stress reduction, and good ventilation is far more humane and sustainable than reactive antibiotic treatment.

What You Can Do

Support calf welfare programs prioritizing BRD prevention through vaccination
Advocate for antibiotic stewardship in calf rearing that pairs treatment with prevention
Choose beef from farms demonstrating low calf respiratory mortality